Stamina

What is stamina? According to the dictionary, it’s the capability of sustaining prolonged stressful effort. Another word with nearly the same meaning is endurance. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) there are three components to endurance: cardiorespiratory fitness (endurance), muscular strength, and muscular endurance. Here’s what they have to say about these elements of stamina:

Cardiorespiratory endurance is the ability of the body's circulatory and respiratory systems to supply fuel during sustained physical activity (USDHHS, 1996 as adapted from Corbin & Lindsey, 1994). To improve your cardiorespiratory endurance, try activities that keep your heart rate elevated at a safe level for a sustained length of time such as walking, swimming, or bicycling. The activity you choose does not have to be strenuous to improve your cardiorespiratory endurance. Start slowly with an activity you enjoy, and gradually work up to a more intense pace.

Muscular strength is the ability of the muscle to exert force during an activity (USDHHS, 1996 as adapted from Wilmore & Costill, 1994). The key to making your muscles stronger is working them against resistance, whether that be from weights or gravity. If you want to gain muscle strength, try exercises such as lifting weights or rapidly taking the stairs.

Muscular endurance is the ability of the muscle to continue to perform without fatigue (USDHHS, 1996 as adapted from Wilmore & Costill, 1994). To improve your muscle endurance, try cardiorespiratory activities such as walking, jogging, bicycling, or dancing.

Stamina is an important component of readiness fitness, and fitness for everyone!

For more information on Stamina see:
The Stamina - Nutrition Connection

Source: http://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpa/physical/components/index.htm#Cardiorespiratory